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Phoenix Springs city marshal warns of phone scams targeting the elderly at Walton County Fair
Summary
City Marshal James Hurley told fairgoers during city government week that scammers are increasingly targeting elderly residents with unsolicited calls promising prizes or money and urged people to verify callers, call their bank directly, and report suspected fraud to police.
City Marshal James Hurley of Phoenix Springs warned attendees at the Walton County Fair during city government week about a rise in telephone scams aimed at elderly residents and urged the public to verify unsolicited calls before responding.
"If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is," Hurley said, describing scams that promise prizes such as vehicles or large cash amounts to entice victims.
Hurley advised that if a financial institution calls unexpectedly, recipients should hang up and call the institution using a phone number they obtain independently rather than relying on a number provided by the caller. "Look up their phone number, call them at their bank," he said, adding that scammers often pose as other entities to gain personal and financial information.
He described a recent case his office handled in which a person sent money to scammers and lost about $200,000. "If you become a victim, notify the police department immediately and let's get a case going," Hurley said, asking anyone with questions to contact the marshal's office for help navigating the reporting process.
The marshal's message focused on prevention steps — verifying unsolicited contact, refusing to provide personal financial information to unexpected callers, and reporting suspected scams to law enforcement — and on the department's willingness to open investigations to try to recover losses or prevent further victimization.
The marshal did not announce any new ordinance or formal city action during the comments. The message was delivered as part of community outreach at the Walton County Fair; residents seeking assistance were directed to contact the Phoenix Springs City Marshal's Office.
